Twistity Sports Exclusive: MLB SALUTES THE CAPTAIN

 
Less than two weeks ago, the end of another famous Yankee’s career got a second turn in the spotlight. July 4 marked the 75^th anniversary of Lou Gehrig’s sad farewell to baseball.

Tuesday night’s All-Star game effectively said goodbye to another Yankee great – Derek Jeter. This rocked with joy. Major League Baseball pulled out most of the stops (hey, a tribute to the recently-deceased Tony Gwynn was noticeably missing) to honor the Yankees captain and shortstop and goodwill ambassador who is playing his final season to widespread emotional gushing.

From a limo ride earlier in the day through the streets of Minneapolis to a chance to make a pregame speech to collecting hits in both of his at-bats, Jeter seemed to thoroughly enjoy not only the American League’s 5-3 win but a chance to compete in the All-Star game one last time (his 13^th). His retirement after this season, at age 40, will leave a gap in the sport.

Jeter has played for no team but the Yankees, winning five World Series championships. In contrast with certain others players (Alex Rodriguez, anyone?), Jeter has done nothing to tarnish his reputation, his employer’s or baseball’s. This is a clear case of universal love and it flows both ways.

Players honored him during the game. National League pitcher Adam Wainwright put his glove on the ground and joined the clapping of the crowd as Jeter led off for the AL. Players praised Jeter for his contributions, for his style, for his sense of purpose. Fans cheered.

Jeter got hits in both at-bats, becoming the first player of his age to collect two hits in the All-Star game. He scored the first run. He exited in the fourth inning after taking warmups, again to an extended ovation and the musical accompaniment of ‘New York, New York.’

Captain, we salute you.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .